5. Matchbox Twenty
Formed in 1995, Matchbox Twenty plays pop-rock. Their greatest chart success came in the 2000s when “Bent” hit #1. Five more singles reached the top 30, including two reaching #5. Their first three albums all went multiplatinum, and the fourth went gold. Matchbox Twenty has sold 42.9 million albums worldwide as of 2023, placing them among the best-selling artists in history.
4. Blink-182
Blink-182 was formed in 1992. Their blend of pop and punk appealed to both audiences and spearheaded the pop-punk genre. The 2000s was their most successful decade where they landed two #1 singles and four that achieved #2. Overall, nine songs reached the top 10. Blink-182 has sold over 50 million albums worldwide placing them among the best-selling artists ever.
3. Nickelback
Nickelback was formed in 1995. Lambasted by critics, Nickelback’s success defies naysayers. Nine of their 10 albums have achieved platinum, gold, or silver status. From 2001-2003 they had four #1 US singles and the other went to #2. Nickelback has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
2. Linkin Park
Linkin Park was formed in 1996. They are pioneers of nu-metal, blending hip-hop and electronica. Their debut album Hybrid Theory sold 20.8 million and its follow-up Meteora sold 13.3 million. The band had 11 top 5 singles in the 2000’s including five at #1. Linkin Park is among the best-selling music artists ever, with between 70-100 million albums sold worldwide.
1. Coldplay
Coldplay formed in 1997. They play piano-driven melodic pop. All nine of their studio albums reached #1 in the UK and four went #1 in the US. Coldplay has won 415 awards from 890 nominations, including 7 Grammys from 39 nominations. Coldplay has sold more than 100 million albums, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
